Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), in a bid to ensure 100 percent transition, has launched an instant, “on-the-spot” placement system designed for students who missed out on university admissions in previous years.
The landmark initiative was unveiled today in Migori County during a massive joint student sensitization drive spearheaded by Uriri lawmaker Mark Nyamita, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Wahome, and University Funding Board (UFB) CEO Dr Edwin Wanyonyi.
Historically, about 15 percent of qualified students fail to apply for placement annually due to various socio-economic factors. Under the newly launched portal, students who completed their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) from as far back as 2022 can now secure placement in real-time.
“This is a revolutionary milestone for us. We are now allowing students to log into the KUCCPS portal, select an available degree program, and instantly generate an admission letter on the spot,” announced Dr Mercy Wahome.
She further stated that the special one-month application window will run concurrently with the inter-university and university to TVET transfer portal, offering a lifeline to thousands of “lost” students.
Speaking to thousands of parents and students gathered at the event held at Uriri Senior Secondary School, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita defended the sensitization exercises, saying they are meant to dismantle myths surrounding the Student-Centered Funding Model.
“It is not enough to complain about the system from the outside. We must seek practical solutions. “About eight, nine years ago, when I became a Member of Parliament, we only used to have like about 300 students joining university.
Last year, we had a record of 1,500 students, and with 1,200 of them benefiting maximally from this higher education funding, ”Nyamita noted
The lawmaker cautioned that families risk missing out on critical funds due to simple procedural errors during the application process, necessitating direct intervention from top government officers.
Gambling
With the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal now officially open until September 6, 2026, UFB CEO Dr Edwin Wanyonyi urged applicants to submit genuine documents early to determine their exact household contribution metrics.
However,Dr. Wanyonyi issued a stern warning to students regarding the utilization of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) upkeep disbursement, which is deposited directly into student bank accounts.
He clarified that while tuition fees are paid directly to the universities to maintain academic seamlessness, the upkeep disbursements are strictly reserved for student accommodation, meals, and academic materials.
Highlighting the accountability expected of the beneficiaries, Dr. Wanyonyi warned, “These loans are a serious government investment in your future. Let it be clear: this upkeep money is not for betting, sports gambling, or luxury activities”.
He stated that government personnel will remain on the ground across Migori’s eight constituencies for the next month to assist applicants in successfully navigating the digital portal.
